Astrobiology

Astrobiology is the study of the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the Universe. Its goals include the study of life on Earth and the search for life beyond Earth.

Astrobiology requires fundamental concepts of life and habitable environments that will help scientists to recognize biospheres that might be quite different from the Earth's one. Astrobiology embraces the search for potentially inhabited planets beyond the Solar System, the exploration of Mars and the outer planets, laboratory and field investigations of the origins and early evolution of life, and studies of the potential of life to adapt to future challenges, both on Earth and in space.

Astrobiology is multidisciplinary in its content and interdisciplinary in its execution. Its success depends critically upon the close coordination of diverse scientific disciplines and programs, including space missions. Interdisciplinary research is needed that combines Molecular Biology, Ecology, Planetary Science, Astronomy, Information Science, Space Exploration, and related disciplines. The broad character of Astrobiology compels scientists to strive for the most comprehensive and inclusive understanding of biological, planetary and cosmic phenomena.

Astrobiology addresses three fundamental questions: How does life begin and evolve? Is there life beyond Earth and how can we detect it? What is the future of life on Earth and the Universe?